Challenge Caches

Posted on by Sarah Pace (RSPace)

By: Emily Accipiter Stewart (eaccipi)

 

Have you ever worked to find a challenge cache? They’re puzzle caches with a twist —one that takes place long before you even sign the physical logbook. They’re designed for geocachers who enjoy working toward goals, tracking statistics, and completing achievements over time.

Examples include:

  • Finding a cache in every county of your state
  • Completing a streak of 30 consecutive days of geocaching
  • Finding caches of every size or difficulty/terrain rating
  • Filling your “Jasmer grid” (finding caches placed in every month since geocaching began.

These challenges don’t usually require special skills—just persistence, planning, and some creative caching!

 

How They Work
Challenge caches follow the same basic steps as any other physical cache: the owner hides a container, submits a listing, and provides coordinates. But there’s one key difference: you may sign the log at any time, but you can only log the find online once you’ve met the challenge requirement. Most challenge caches include:

  • A clear description of the challenge
  • Verification criteria (how you or the owner can check your qualifications)
  • A physical container at the posted coordinates
  • Geocaching platforms typically require challenge caches to follow specific guidelines to keep them fair, attainable, and safe.

 

Why People Love Them
Challenge caches appeal to both casual finders and hardcore collectors. They encourage:

  • Exploration: You may visit counties, parks, or towns you’d never have considered.
  • Skill Building: They push you to try new cache types or tougher terrain.
  • Long-Term Engagement: Many challenges require weeks, months, or even years to complete.
  • Friendly Competition: Geocachers often compare stats and swap stories about their toughest challenges.

 

Types of Challenges
While challenge creativity is endless, they typically fall into these categories:

  1. Geographic challenges
    Complete finds within specific regions or along routes.
  2. Statistical or grid challenges
    Fill out difficulty/terrain (D/T) grids, streaks, or calendar days.
  3. Diversity challenges
    Find a variety of cache types, containers, or attributes.
  4. Milestone-based challenges
    Reach certain find counts or complete themed collections (e.g., 100 mystery caches).

 

Etiquette and Rules
A few important points for challenge seekers:

  • Read the listing carefully. Requirements differ widely.
  • Don’t fake qualifications. Honesty keeps the community healthy.
  • Ask questions if unsure. Cache owners are usually happy to clarify.
  • Celebrate responsibly. Many challenges mark big milestones—have fun!

 

A Fun Way to Level Up Your Adventures
Challenge caches add depth and personal goals to geocaching. Whether you enjoy long-term achievements, love tracking stats, or just want something new to motivate your next outing, challenges offer a unique way to experience the hobby.

 

Here’s a list of all of the challenge caches in Alaska!
How many have you found or qualify for?

  • GC599C6 – Fairbanks Busy Day
  • GC17H9E – South Central Alaska DeLorme Challenge
  • GCYPMN – The Alaska Borough and Census Area Challenge
  • GCBE3YG – 2024 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3Y4 – 2023 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3XF – 2021 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3X1 – 2018 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3XN – 2022 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3WM – 2011 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3WC – 2010 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3V0 – 2009 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBE3TJ – 2008 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GCBDQJ0 – Aurora Challenge Trail: Beginners Challenge
  • GCBDJHB – Aurora Challenge Trail: Handicaching
  • GCBDJHP – Aurora Challenge Trail: Reaching New Heights
  • GCBDQDP – Aurora Challenge Trail: 49th State Caching
  • GCBDQDP – Aurora Challenge Trail: January Sourdough
  • GCBDQFY – Aurora Challenge Trail: My Favourite Month
  • GCBDQDW – Aurora Challenge Trail: February Sourdough
  • GCBDQDY – Aurora Challenge Trail: March Sourdough
  • GCBDQG4 – Aurora Challenge Trail: Stair Stepper
  • GCBDQE1 – Aurora Challenge Trail: April Sourdough
  • GCBDMTY – Aurora Challenge Trail: Outside
  • GCBDN1M – Aurora Challenge Trail: Steak Savers
  • GCBDQEV – Aurora Challenge Trail: May Sourdough
  • GCBDMV1 – Aurora Challenge Trail: Richardson Highway
  • GC1E39H – Zany Kilo Green Box Challenge Cache
  • GC9KJ41 – 2013 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC9KJ2V – 2014 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC5FR77 – The West Coast Traveller Challenge Cache
  • GC9KAF4 – 2012 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC470RK – Find a Cache for a year by PLACED DATE Challenge
  • GC5G3J3 – TRANSCONTINENTAL TRAVELER CHALLENGE CACHE
  • GC30EQK – Alaska Challenge #5: One Busy Day
  • GC30FAC – Alaska Challenge #6: Cavyguy’s 10%
  • GC30EPT – Alaska Challenge #2: Blazingpathways
  • GC4XH6G – Happy Holidaze – A Challenge Cache
  • GC30EQ2 – Alaska Challenge #4: Leave NO day Uncached
  • GC30FB7 – Alaska Challenge #9: Another Busy Day
  • GC4KNXR – Alaska Challenge #11—100 STARS
  • GC9KB8N – 2020 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC30FAM – Alaska Challenge #7: Streaker’s Challenge
  • GC17H9E – South Central Alaska DeLorme Challenge
  • GC5BRXR – Alaska’s Lonely Cache Challenge
  • GC3XFKZ – Diagonal – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
  • GC30EPV – Alaska Challenge #3: A Cache a Year
  • GC3XDXR – Vertical – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
  • GC9K9JD – 2015 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC9K9JH – 2007 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC21QXG – Alaska’s Geology: An Earthcache Challenge
  • GC57NAV – Cover All – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
  • GC9K8QX – 2016 Mini Jasmer Challenge
  • GC9K7Q9 – 2019 Jasmer Challenge
  • GC9K8QK – 2017 Jasmer Challenge
  • GC3XFKG – Horizontal – Fizzy Challenge Bingo
  • GC56N6K – Alaska Challenge #14: 500 Favorites
  • GC3YJ7J – Alaska Challenge Cache – Comfort Zone
  • GC4MK8W – Alaska Challenge #13 —Social Butterfly
  • GC599C6 – Fairbanks Busy Day